( KNZA )-The city of Hiawatha will seek grants through the Kansas Department of Transportation to help fund two projects.

The Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening approved applying for Transportation Enhancement Funds for the 3rd phase of the downtown streetscape project and additional phases of the Fitness and School Trail project.

Following a lengthy discussion with engineer Brian Kingsley with BG Consultants, the commission also voted 4-1 to prioritize the streetscape project as the one they would like to see funded if KDOT chooses to fund only one project.   Commissioner Bill Collins cast the lone no vote, voicing his support for seeing the trail project funded.   

Kingsley told commissioners it will probably become more difficult in the future to obtain KDOT funds for streetscape projects, which if awarded would fund 80 percent of the estimated nearly $940,000 construction cost.  The city would be responsible for the remaining 20 percent, engineering costs and any utility adjustments. 

The 3rd phase of the streetscape project would include improvements in the 800 block of Oregon and the remaining portion of the 500 block of Oregon.  The improvements would include new sidewalks, lightning and planters similar to the first two phases of the project.

Commissioners approved an agreement with Kingsley to prepare the construction plans and bid specifications for the project at a fee of $86,300,  contingent on the grant being awarded.

KDOT is to announce the grant award recipients this summer.